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August 10th

The bible reading today is from Jeremiah chapters 10-13.

“Thus says the Lord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“The nations” spoken of here primarily referred to Assyria, Philistia, Egypt, Edom, and Babylon. God, through Jeremiah, warned Judah and the dispersed 10 tribes of Israel, over and over, not to “learn” their wicked ways...”teach” their wicked ways...”practice” their wicked ways.

Let us note the song writer’s “Spirit breathed” take on the “wicked”...“The “wicked” watches for the “righteous” They are looking and planning for the opportune time to engage, trap, and destroy believers in Jesus, or as the passage ends...the wicked seek to put him to death...the “righteous one...Jesus” and all that are “righteous” because of Him.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:32‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Many in Judah had become enamored with the knowledge and ways of the wicked nations. They were spending time and energy in this endeavor, instead of coming to know the One God better. A lesson to the wise. Jeremiah continues...“don't be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations were”...“the nations didn't see the heavens as the handiwork of God that pointed to the gospel.

No, the nations made “gods” of the stars and suns snd moons, idols to be served and worshipped instead of the One God.

Jeremiah continued his message to Judah reminding them of “Him” who is so much better than idols. The one who saved them all these years since the exodus from Egyptian bondage. “He is not like these images you've made to worship. He is alive. Not like these dead sticks and stones. Not like these is “he” who is the “portion” of Jacob. In some sense, Yahweh belonged to the people of Israel, even as Jesus belongs to the saved this very day. And he is the one who formed all things. Creator of it all, is our Savior God. How Great is that!?! And Israel is the tribe of his inheritance. The chosen. The people of promise. God’s treasured ones. Promised Land people of the Lord, the Lord of angel armies is his name.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10:16‬ ‭

Jeremiah was preaching throughout Judah. In some sense, he was preparing them for the invasion of Babylon. “Gather up your bundle from the ground, O you who dwell under siege! Prepare for the difficult days to come...

I'm so reminded of Jesus’ message to his followers in Luke 21 “...when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near." "Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:31, 34-36‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Jeremiah was also speaking of a time of God’s judgment coming. A captivity, and a hard and long journey to come on the heels of the disobedience of God’s wayward people. For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and I will bring distress on them, that they may feel it.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭10:17-18‬ ‭

“I, the Lord, am slinging out those who live here...” “I, the Lord, am going to bring distress on those who live here...” “...that they may feel it...” Will this wake up call for Judah sting? Oh yes, but one thing is for sure the Lord will hold Judah’s hand. Listen to the psalmist...“though God’s people fall, they shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds their hand.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:24‬ ‭

Jeremiah told them so hard truth that would cut Judah to their hearts. But he also shared a great hope and promise of God’s salvation from whatever came next.

Sounds just like the gospel of Jesus!

Have a great day